Dear Church that meets in America, We are a people of prayer and praise! We rejoice always (Philippians 4:4)! Every circumstance, whether good or bad, just or unjust, edifying or demeaning is met with praise. We are spiritual heirs of Paul and Silas. When unfairly imprisoned, they did not spend the night complaining about the unfairness of their situation. They did not speak harshly of their jailers, mocking them and...
The Gym is Open
I grew up in church. Baptized at four. But Church for me was a religion. I had no idea the word of God could transform. In my late twenties, I remember starting to hear God’s voice. One of the first scriptures, I remember penetrating my heart was: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops...
Testify
Has God been good to you? Has he delivered you from sickness, depression, lack? Has He healed your body reconciled a relationship, open doors? Has God been good to you? A few years ago, I went shopping at a major department store. Between coupons and a sale, I brought a dress with the style I wanted for 75 cents (that included tax). I was so proud of my conquest, I...
A Life of Significance
A few days ago, I was admonishing my students about putting so much value in grades. “No one will remember your grade in calculus but they will remember if you were kind, generous, happy. Helping others is more important than grades. Learning to fail gracefully is an important life lesson.” I encouraged them. But yesterday, I had my own set of setbacks, disappointments. I found myself needing to adhere to...
Live Triumphantly
Life can be difficult sometime. Tragedy happens. There are times when we mourn, times when we hurt, times when we question. Yet Jesus has come so that we can live in abundance, so that we can live a triumphant life. Paul, who was well acquainted with tragedy, persecution, trying times, gives us this advice to live triumphantly: 1. Rejoice always. No matter how difficult life becomes, no matter how unfairly...
Today!
“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24 I never noticed how this was written as a prophetic decree. I may be tired but I will rejoice and be glad today. I may be in pain, but I will rejoice and be glad today. My marriage may be in trouble but I will rejoice and be glad today. I may...
Even If
What if you prayed and the answer didn’t come swiftly. What if the the sickness lingered, the child remained wayward, the marriage crumbled, the bill collectors came knocking. What if the dream seemed farther away than ever. Would you, could you still praise Him? Can you rejoice through difficulty? Life is sometimes hard. We pray. We believe. We declare. We hope. Yet things do not always go as plan. It...
It’s Monday!
It’s Monday morning. Many of us are off to begrudgingly begin a new work week. For some of us Monday is just another reminder that we are still jobless. Yet for others, Monday begins the busyness of packing school lunches and chauffeuring kids around. Monday, probably the most dreaded day of the week. Whatever this Monday brings for you, I want you to remember Apostle Paul. Falsely imprisoned. Unfairly beaten....
Always
What is God’s will for my life? Every Christian has probably asked this at one time or another. Has God called me to the mission field? Should I teach? Am I prophet or a pastor? Am I called to open a business, be an engineer, a doctor or a nurse? What is God’s will for me? I think we are all called to the mission field, although this may not...
Rejoice
Rejoice! Rejoice in His Salvation! Rejoice that you have been saved, adopted into the family and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Hope has been restored for He who we have expected has come! Rejoice! Your reproach, your shame has been removed. Your face is radiant in His glory! Rejoice! He wipes away every tear! He comforts the broken hearted and brings peace to the uncertain. Rejoice! Death has been conquered,...